Overview
- Detectives obtained felony warrants for Cristina Milhaela Paun, 21, of Baltimore, who is wanted in two March 20 jewelry thefts.
- The thefts on March 20 followed a pattern in which suspects in SUVs approached women in parking lots, put costume pieces on them, and slipped off real jewelry.
- Investigators used surveillance video and license‑plate reader data to flag a white 2026 Toyota Highlander tied to the scheme.
- Delaware State Police stopped that SUV the next day in New Castle and identified occupants including Paun, whom Fairfax later linked to the Springfield and Herndon cases.
- Police are still seeking other suspects seen in black SUVs, have shared suspect descriptions, and urge tips and caution about close‑contact distractions like hugs and unsolicited jewelry.